KHYBER: The Torkham border crossing, a critical trade artery between Pakistan and Afghanistan, reopened on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after a 26-day standoff sparked by a dispute over a controversial Afghan checkpoint. The closure, which began on February 21, had halted commerce and strained relations, but following intense negotiations, cargo movement resumed, breathing life back into a route that handles $1.5 billion in daily trade.
The breakthrough came after a series of jirgas involving tribal elders, religious scholars, and traders from both sides, culminating in a flag meeting on Wednesday. Sources close to the talks revealed that the Afghan Taliban conceded to Pakistan’s demand to pause construction of the disputed checkpoint near the Zero Point—a flashpoint that had led to cross-border firing by Afghan forces, injuring three Pakistani civilians last month. By 4 p.m., cargo trucks were rolling again, with Pakistani vehicles carrying goods into Afghanistan and Afghan trucks bringing imports into Pakistan, customs officials confirmed.
The Torkham corridor, facilitating around 1,500 cargo trucks daily, is a lifeline for bilateral commerce, contributing $3 million per day to Pakistan’s treasury, per customs data. Security personnel and government staff were deployed to ensure smooth operations, with customs officials instructed to resume duties Wednesday morning. However, pedestrian movement remains suspended for another two to three days due to damage to the immigration system, including the FIA container scanner used for clearance, caused by Afghan gunfire. Repairs are underway, and until completed, only Afghan patients needing urgent medical care will be allowed entry into Pakistan, security sources said.
The closure’s economic toll was steep, with millions in losses for traders as perishable goods rotted in stranded trucks. Local elders like Malik Tajuddin and Shah Khalid Shinwari, part of the Pakistani delegation, played a key role in pushing for a ceasefire and confidence-building measures during two formal meetings with Afghan counterparts. Their efforts paid off, though tensions linger—Islamabad has long accused Kabul of sheltering militants, a charge Afghan officials deny, and the border has seen frequent clashes over the Durand Line, which Afghanistan doesn’t officially recognize.
While cargo flow signals a return to normalcy, the pedestrian ban and recent violence underscore the fragility of Pak-Afghan ties. The jirga’s success offers hope, but with a ceasefire agreed only until April 15, the region’s stability hangs in a delicate balance. For now, Torkham’s gates are open for trade—but the road to lasting peace remains uncertain.
